Indian student arrested during peace march in Australia

A youth was arrested for “riotous behaviour” during a peace rally held by Indian students here demanding justice for victims of growing racial attacks against them in Australia.

A 22-year-old man from western suburb was charged with criminal damage, riotous behaviour and discharging a missile, according to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

However, the identity of the person has not been revealed.

The rally, organised by Federation of Indian Students of Australia (FISA) and National Union of Students, ended with a candle-light vigil at the busy Flinders Street station here.

The protest kicked off from outside the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where 25-year-old Shravan Kumar is in a critical condition in the intensive care unit after being stabbed by a screwdriver by a group of teens on Sunday last.

FISA said in a statement on its website that the rally was aimed at creating awareness about an increasing number of “hate crimes” in Victoria state and to promote racial harmony and peace.